The Episcopal Church of St. Simon & St. Jude (SSSJ) is an open, welcoming community of folks from all walks of life. We worship twice on Sunday mornings — 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. throughout the year. Our Sunday School is at 11:30 a.m., following the 10 a.m. service. We offer a Godly play for children up to kindergarten, a joy-filled program for grade school children, the vibrant youth program Journey to Adulthood, and a mix — Bible study through contemporary issues — for adults.
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
We have been serving the local community since the sixties, first as St. Jude Church in the Dutch Fork Area, then as St. Simon and St. Jude when we moved to the Irmo area in the last eighties.
What is your primary product or service?
Our mission is to welcome, rejoice, and be Jesus in the world.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
As Episcopalians, we offer a Christian (and often liberal) perspective.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
There are many Episcopal churches in the Columbia MSA but each of us believes we are unique.
Provide detailed directions to your location
Take I-26 from Columbia toward Greenville/Spartanburg. Exit 102B, to the right, then an immediate left onto Kinley Road (near the Cracker Barrel). We are immediately on the left at the sharp right curve in the road.
What type of payments do you accept?
We accept most contributions - some in dollars, some in kind.
Which areas do you service?
Irmo, S.C., area.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Head of the church at our location is Fr. Mark Abdelnour. Head of the church in the local area is Bishop Dorsey Henderson. Head of the National Episcopal Church is Presiding Bishop Kathryn Jeffers-Schori
What are your hours of operation?
We have activities nearly 24/7. Worship services are 8 and 10 a.m. on Sundays, with Church school at 11:30 a.m., following the 10 a.m. service. There are church-sponsored small group meetings throughout the week (check out our calendar at our website). And our church services as a central meeting place for many local organizations such as AA, NA, and others.